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Love Triangle: She Went Traveling with Her Boyfriend and Found Another Love

Lauren Newman06 mins

The Extraordinary Journey of Liesbet and Mark

A Surprising Encounter

In 2004, 28-year-old Liesbet Collaert crossed paths with 33-year-old Mark Kilty during her overland journey across North America. This unexpected meeting sparked an immediate connection, leaving Liesbet uncertain about her next steps.

Surprise meeting: In 2004, 28-year-old Liesbet Collaert met 33-year-old Mark Kilty while she was on an overland journey across North America with another long-term boyfriend. The sparks flew right away, and Liesbet wasn't sure what to do.
Surprise meeting: In 2004, 28-year-old Liesbet Collaert met 33-year-old Mark Kilty while she was on an overland journey across North America with another long-term boyfriend. The sparks flew right away, and Liesbet wasn’t sure what to do.

A Bold Decision

Just three weeks later, Liesbet made a spontaneous decision to leave her previous relationship in pursuit of a new life with Mark. This marked the beginning of their adventures together.

Spontaneous decision: After knowing Mark just three weeks, Liesbet decided she had to leave her ex to be with him. Here's Mark and Liesbet pictured on a beach walk on the island of Carriacou, Grenada, in 2009.
Spontaneous decision: After knowing Mark just three weeks, Liesbet decided she had to leave her ex to be with him. Here’s Mark and Liesbet pictured on a beach walk on the island of Carriacou, Grenada, in 2009.

Traveling Together

Mark and Liesbet began their journey as a couple, exploring the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica with their campervan in 2006. Their shared love for adventure created a strong bond.

Traveling together: Mark and Liesbet began traveling together. Here they are with their campervan in Costa Rica in 2006.
Traveling together: Mark and Liesbet began traveling together. Here they are with their campervan in Costa Rica in 2006.

Facing Challenges

The journey was not without its hardships. There were moments of struggle, yet they persevered, watching the sunset together on a beach in Martinique, reflecting on their journey.

Watching the sunset: There were some ups and downs early on, but Mark and Liesbet persevered. Here they are watching the sunset on a beach in Martinique in 2010.
Watching the sunset: There were some ups and downs early on, but Mark and Liesbet persevered. Here they are watching the sunset on a beach in Martinique in 2010.

Life at Sea

They eventually transitioned to living on a sailing catamaran, traveling through breathtaking destinations such as the Galapagos Islands in 2013. This experience not only enriched their lives but deepened their connection.

Sailing adventure: The couple ended up spending several years living on a sailing catamaran. Here they are pictured in the Galapagos Islands in 2013.
Sailing adventure: The couple ended up spending several years living on a sailing catamaran. Here they are pictured in the Galapagos Islands in 2013.

Tough Times

Throughout their journey, they faced significant challenges. In 2014, Mark returned to the U.S. for cancer treatment, a difficult yet pivotal time in their relationship, which strengthened their partnership.

Ups and downs: The couple have experienced some trying times. Here they are pictured in Tahiti, French Polynesia, in 2014, right before Mark flew back to the US for cancer treatment.
Ups and downs: The couple have experienced some trying times. Here they are pictured in Tahiti, French Polynesia, in 2014, right before Mark flew back to the US for cancer treatment.

Team Effort

Mark and Liesbet emphasize the importance of teamwork in their relationship. They confront challenges together, knowing that each obstacle strengthens their bond. They were pictured in the Netherlands in 2015.

Teamwork: The couple say they always handle things as a team. 'These are big, life-changing emotional things that happened to us,' Liesbet tells CNN Travel. Here's the couple in the Netherlands in 2015.
Teamwork: The couple say they always handle things as a team. ‘These are big, life-changing emotional things that happened to us,’ Liesbet tells CNN Travel. Here’s the couple in the Netherlands in 2015.

Growing Closer

Through every challenge, Liesbet and Mark feel that they have grown closer. Reflecting on their journey, Liesbet shared, “I think because of the downs that we’ve had, we did grow closer.”

Growing closer: 'I think because of the downs that we've had, we did grow closer and we can face pretty much everything right now, to be honest,' adds Liesbet. Here's the couple at The Wave sandstone formation in the Vermilion Cliffs of Utah in 2019.
Growing closer: ‘I think because of the downs that we’ve had, we did grow closer and we can face pretty much everything right now, to be honest,’ adds Liesbet. Here’s the couple at The Wave sandstone formation in the Vermilion Cliffs of Utah in 2019.

Still Adventuring

To this day, Mark and Liesbet continue their adventures around the world. Their journey reflects a deep commitment to exploring life together, as seen in their recent visit to Santuario de Las Lajas in Colombia in 2023.

On the road: The couple are still on the road today. Here they are at Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia, in 2023.
On the road: The couple are still on the road today. Here they are at Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia, in 2023.


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